Combined reverse lock and swivel bracket holding mechanism

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein is a marine propulsion device including means connected to a reverse lock and to a swivel bracket holding means for providing coordinated control of the reverse lock and of the swivel bracket holding means.

United States Patent [191 Shimanckas Jan. 15, 1974 1 1 COMBINED REVERSE LOCK ANI) SWIVEL BRACKET HOLDING MECHANISM [75] lnventor: William J. Shimanckas, Waukegan,

[73] Assignee: Outboard Marine Corporation,

Waukegan, 111.

[22] Filed: July 12, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 271,198

[52] U.S. Cl. 115/41 [51] Int. Cl; B63h 21/26 [581 Field ofSearch 115/17, 18R,4l;

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,576,173 4/1971 Ginnow 115/17 R25,048 10/1961 Hulsebus 115/17 3,371,893 3/1968 Blanchard, Jr... 248/4 2,954,950 10/1960 Hart 248/4 Primary Examiner-Duane A. Reger Assistant Examiner-Charles E. Frankfort Attorney-Robert E. Clemency et a1.

[57] ABSTRACT Disclosed herein is a marine propulsion device including means connected to a reverse lock and to a swivel bracket holding means for providing coordinated control of the reverse lock and of the swivel bracket holding means.

10 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures PATENTEDJANI 5|974 SHEEI 2 [IF 4 COMBINED REVERSE LOCK AND SWIVEL BRACKET HOLDING MECHANISM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates generally to marine propulsion devices, such as outboard motors and stem drive units. More particularly, the invention relates to reverse lock arrangements and to arrangements for releasably holding a swivel bracket and connected propulsion unit in a position raised or elevated relative to a normal running position.

Prior reverse lock arrangements including controls therefor are disclosed in the US. Hulsebus Pat. No. Re25,048, issued Oct. 3, 1961, and in the US. Anderson et al. Pat. No. 3,016,869, issued Jan. 16, 1962, the US. Torre Pat. No. 3,096,058, issued July 2, 1963, and the U.S. Jagger Pat. No. 3,158,346, issued Nov. 24, 1964.

Prior arrangements for holding a swivel bracket and connected propulsion unit in a raised position are disclosed in the u.S. Hagen Pat. No. 3,666,218, issued May 30, 1972, and in the US. Blanchard Pat. No. 3,371,893, issued Mar. 5, 1968. In addition, in the past, swivel bracket holding arrangements have included use of a bracket or member pivotally mounted on the tansom bracket and including an L-shaped slot which received a holding bolt fixed on the swivel bracket.

Of particular significance to the invention disclosed herein is the absence in the prior art of a single control operable to regulate or to actuate both reverse lock and the swivel bracket holding arrangement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention provides a maring propulsion device with means connected to a reverse lock and to a swivel bracket holding means for providing coodinated control of the reverse lock and of the swivel bracket holding means.

In the illustrated and preferred embodiment of the invention, such control means includes an operating lever which is pivotally mounted on the swivel bracket and which is operably connected to the reverse lock and to a swivel bracket holding member which is pivotally mounted on the swivel bracket and includes a slot receiving a bolt extending fixedly from the transom bracket. In addition, means are provided for selectively biasing the operating lever in opposite directions depending upon the position of the operating lever.

More specifically in regard to the preferred and illustrated embodiment of the invention, the reverse lock includes an element movably mounted relative to the swivel bracket and engageable with a thrust pin. The means connecting the operating lever and the reverse lock includes an arm connected to and having common movement with the operating lever, together with a rod connected to the arm and including means for engaging the reverse lock element in response to positioning of the arm by the operating lever. In addition, a spring is connected between the swivel bracket and the rod so as to bias the rod in the direction away from the operating lever and thereby to selectively bias the operating lever in opposite rotary directions depending upon the position of the operating lever.

The connection of the swivel bracket holding member to the transom and swivel brackets causes pivotal movement of the holding member relative to the swivel bracket in response to pivotal movement of the swivel bracket relative to the transom bracket. The means connecting the operating lever to the holding member includes provision of an actuating pin which extends from the holding member and which travels in a path between two arcuately spaced surfaces connected to and having common movement with the operating lever and located for engagement with the pin so as to afford common movement of the holding member and operating lever in response to such relative pivotal movement therebetween as to engage to pin with the spaced surfaces. In addition, a spring is connected to the operating lever so as to selectively bias the operating lever in opposite rotary directions depending upon the position of the operating lever and so as to thereby urge engagement between the spaced surfaces connected to the operating lever and the pin to additionally bias the swivel bracket holding member relative to its swivel bracket holding position.

One of the principal objects of the invention is the provision of a marine propulsion device including a single mechanism for affording coordinated operation of a releasable reverse lock and a mechanism for releasably retaining a swivel bracket and connected propulsion unit is elevated position.

Another of the principal objects of the invention is the provision of a new control mechanism for a releasable reverse lock.

Still another of the principal objects of the invention is the provision of anew control mechanism operable to regulate movement of a member adapted to releasably retain a swivel bracket and connected propulsion unit in a raised or elevated position.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become known by reference to the following description, claims, and drawings.

DRAWINGS- FIG. 1 is a fragmentary elevational view of an outboard motor embodying various of the features of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged horizontal sectional view taken along line 22 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged rear view of various of the components incorporated in the outboard motor shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged partially fragmentary and schematic view of certain of the components incorporated in the outboard motor shown in FIG. 1 with such components shown in their normal operating condition.

FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 are views similar to FIG. 4, except that the components are shown in different positions.

Before explaining the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangements of parts swt forth in the following general description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings, since the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION Shown in the drawings is an outboard motor 11 which embodies various of the features of the invention and which includes a clamp or stern or transom bracket 13 which is adapted to be fixed to the transom 14, or

other supporting member of a boat hull. Connected to the transom bracket 13 for vertical swinging movement about a tilt pin 17 is a swivel bracket 19. Connected to the swivel bracket 19 for common vertical swinging movement and for horizontal swinging movement about a king pin 21 relative to the swivel bracket 19 is a propulsion unit 23 which includes a propeller shaft 27 a propeller 29.

Also included in the outboard motor 11 is a thrust pin or rod 31 which is selectively supportable in two laterally spaced series of apertures 33 in the stem or transom bracket 13 so as to determine the angle between the transom 14 and the propulsion unit 23 when the propulsion unit 23 is in the normal running or operating position (FIGS. 4 and Because of the pivotal connection about the tilt pin 17, the propulsion unit 23 and connected swivel bracket 19 are swingable upwardly from the normal operating position (FIGS. 4 and 5) to an elevated or raised position (FIG. 7) in which the propulsion unit 23 and connected swivel bracket 19 can be supported against return movement to the normal operating position and in which the propeller 29 is usually out of the water. In addition, the propulsion unit 23 and connected swivel bracket 19 can normally be swung slightly upwardly beyond the elevated or raised position (See FIG. 6).

Also included in the outboard motor 11 is a reverse lock 41 (See FIGS. 3, 4, and 5) which, when engaged, prevents upward swinging of the propulsion unit 23 from the normal operating position to thereby facilitate outboard motor operating in reverse. In the event of the striking of an underwater obstacle when traveling forwardly and, if the impact associated with such striking is sufficient, the reverse lock 41 will automatically release to permit upward swinging of the propulsion unit 23. Manually operable means have been provided in the past for releasing the reverse lock 41 so as to permit manual tilting of the propulsion unit 23 to its raised or elevated position.

In the illustrated construction, the reverse lock 41 embodies various of the features disclosed in the US. Hulsebus Pat. No. Re25,048 issued Oct. 3 I961. While other reverse lock configurations can be employed, in the illustrated construction, the reverse lock 41 includes a pair of arms 43 (See FIGS. 3, 4, and 5) which are respectiveLy coaxially and pivotally mounted at 44 to opposite sides of the swivel bracket 19. At their forward ends, the arms 43 are connected to a yoke or bale 47 by a pivot pin 49 affording relative pivotal movement therebetween. As shown, the yoke or bale 47 includes a cross web 51 and spaced parallel legs 53 extending fore and aft from the cross web 51 and located laterally outwardly of the pivot arms 43. Pivotal movement of the bale or yoke 47 relative to the pivot pin 49 in the counterclockwise direction as seen in FIG. 4 is prevented by respective stops 57 which extend from the pivot arms 43 into engagement with the upper edges of the bale legs 53. The forward portions of the bale legs 53 respectively include hook portions 59 adapted to engage the thrust pin or rod 31 to releasably prevent upward swinging movement of the propulsion unit 23 and connected swivel bracket 19.

Means are provided for biasing the assembly of the bale 47 and pivot arms 43 in the counterclockwise direction as shown in FIG. 4 about the pivot axis 44 to releasably engage the hook portions 59 with the thrust pin 31. While other arrangments can be employed, in

the illustrated construction, such means comprises one or more relatively heavy main tension springs 61 which are connected, at their lower ends, to the rearward portions of the bale legs 53 and which, at their upper ends, are anchored to the swivel bracket 19. The reverse lock 41 is thus biased by the heavy tension or main springs 61 into engaged position with the thrust pin 31 so as to prevent upward movement of the propulsion unit 23 and connected swivel bracket 19 from the normal operating position (See FIG. 4).

Means are provided for releasably retaining the propulsion unit 23 and connected swivel bracket 19 in the raised or elevated position. While other constructions can be employed, in the illustrated construction, such means comprises (See FIG. 4) a mechanism including a locking bracket 77 which is pivotally mounted at 78 (See FIGS. 3 and 4) on the swivel bracket 19 and which includes a slot 79 comprising a generally vertically elongated portion 81 and a projecting portion 83 extending forwardly from the lower end of the vertically elongated slot portion 81. Also provided in the locking bracket 77 is a detent or tang 87 which projects downwardly into the junction between the vertically elongated slot portion 81 and the forwardly projecting slot portion 83.

Received within the slot 79 for movement therein is a locking pin 89 which extends fixedly from the transom bracket 13. When the propulsion unit 23 and connected swivel bracket 19 are in the normal running position, the locking pin 89 is located at the upper end of the vertically elongated slot portion 81 (See FIG. 4). When the propulsion unit 23 and connected swivel bracket 19 are retained in the elevated or raised position (See FIG. 7), the locking pin 89 is located in the projecting slot portion 83 in engagement with the upper edge 90 of the projecting slot portion 83 and forwardly of the downwardly projecting tang 87.

In accordance with the invention, selectively operable control means are provided for concurrently manually releasing the reverse lock 41 and for automatically cocking the means for releasably retaining or holding the propulsion unit 23 and connected swivel bracket 19 in the raised or elevated position. Such cocking effects retention of the propulsion unit 23 in the raised or elevated position in response to upward swinging of the propulsion unit 23 from the normal running position. Such selectively operable menas is alternatively operable to effect release of the retention of the propulsion unit 23 in the raised position and to afford positioning of the reverse lock 41 for automatic re-engagement with the thrust pin 31 upon return of the propulsion unit 23 and connected swivel bracket 19 to the normal running position.

While various other constructions can be employed, in the illustrated construction, such selectively operable means comprises an operating lever 71 which includes a handle 73 and which is coaxially mounted at 78, with the locking bracket 77, relatively high on one side of the swivel bracket 19 for pivotal movement relative to a running position shown in FIG. 4 and relative to a propulsion unit holding position shown in FIG. 7.

Means are provided for connecting the operating lever 71 to the reverse lock 41 in such manner as to selectively bias the operating lever 71 and, as will later be explained, means are also provided for operably connecting theoperating lever 71 to the propulsion unit holing mechanism is such manner as to also selectively bias the locking bracket 77 under certain conditions. While other arrangements are possible, in accordance with the invention, in the illustrated construction, such operating lever and reverse lock connecting means comprises (See FIGS. 2, 3, and 4) a bell crank 91 which includes angularly spaced arms 93 and 97 and which is fixedly connected to the operating lever 71 for common movement therewith, together with an actuating or connecting rod 99 which, at its upper end, is pivotally connected to the bell crank arm 93 and which, at its lower end, includes a hook 11 having a bite 113 engageable with the undersurface of the cross web 51 of the bale or yoke 47.

Selective biasing is provided, in part, by the before mentioned reverse hook main springs 61, together with (See FIG. 4) a lighter spring 117 which is connected, at its lower end, to the cross web 51 of the bale or yoke 47 and which, at its upper end, is connected to an intermediate part of loop 112 formed on the actuating rod 99 so as to urge the actuating rod 99 downwardly relative to the swivel bracket 19 and thereby to bias the assembly of the bell crank 91 and operating lever 71 for pivotal movement. The reverse lock main springs 61 also serve to bias the actuating rod 99 downwardly under certain conditions still to be explained.

More particularly with respect to the mounting of the operating lever 71 and bell crank 91, the bell crank 91 is located (See FIG. 2) at the back of the swivel bracket 19 behind the king pin 21. Fixed connection between the operating lever 71 and bell crank 91 is afforded by. a shaft 131 extending through a sleeve 133 supported in spaced bores in the swivel bracket 19.

Means are provided for limiting movement of the operating lever 71 in the counterclockwise direction as shown in FIG. 4 from the normal running position so as to determine or establish propulsion unit holding position (FIG. 7) of the operating lever 71.

While other arrangements can be employed, in the illustrated construction, such movement limiting means comprises, an ear or tang 141 (See FIGS. 2 and 3) which extends from the arm 97 of the bell crank 91 into the path of movement of the actuating rod 99 as the actuating rod 99 is lifted over and to the left as seen in FIG. 5 of the axis 78 of pivotal movement of the assembly of the operating lever 71 and bell crank 91. Such movement also serves to elevate the connecting rod 99 so as to release the reverse lock 41. Such engagement of the ear 141 with the actuating rod 99, coupled with movement of the propulsion unit 23 to the raised or elevated position, establishes the propulsion unit holding position of the operating lever 71.

It is noted that the range of angular movement of the assembly of the operating lever 71 and bell crank 91 relative to the swivel bracket 19 between the normal running position and the propulsion unit position (i.e., between FIGS. 4 and 7) is about 135 and that when the assembly of the operating lever 71 and bell crank 91 is in the normal running position (FIG. 4), the bell crank arm 93 extends horizontally rearwardly and that when the assembly of the operating lever 71 and bell crank 91 is in the propulsion unit holding position, the bell crank arm 93 extends forwardly in the other direction from the axis 78 of the assembly of the operating lever 71 and bell crank 91. Thus, movement of the assembly of the operating lever 71 and bell crank 91 involves displacing the upper end of the actuating rod 99 over center from one side to the other of the pivotal axis of the assembly of the operating lever 71 and bell crank 91, thereby elevating the actuating rod 99 to release the reverse lock 41.

As already indicated, means are also provided for connecting the operating lever 71 and the propulsion unit holding mechanism. While various means can be employed, in the illustrated construction, such means comprises interengaging means on the operating lever 71 and on the locking bracket 77 for transmitting rotary bias from the operating lever 71 to the locking bracket 77 and for pivotally displacing the operating lever 71 during movement of the propulsion unit 23 and connected swivel bracket 19 and in response to movement of the locking bracket 77. While other arrangements can be employed, in the illustrated construction, the operating lever 71 includes (See FIG. 4) two radially extending cam surfaces 151 and 153 which are axially spaced apart about 200 and which are connected at their radially inner ends by an arcuate surface 157 which is concentric with the operating lever mounting axis 78.

Extending from the locking bracket 77 is an actuating pin 159 which projects into adjacent relation to the surface 157 for selective engagement with the camming surfaces 151 and 153 in response to relative rotation between the operating lever 71 and the locking bracket 77.

The selective rotary bias supplied to the operating lever 71 through the actuating rod 99 is also applied, at certain times, through engagement of the actuating pin 127 on the locking bracket 77 with the surfaces 151 and 153 on the operating lever 71, so as to bias the locking bracket 77 for pivotal movement about its mounting on the swivel bracket 19.

The actuating pin 159 on the locking bracket 77 and the cam surfaces 151 and 153 on the operating lever 71 are arranged such that, when the assembly of the operating lever 71 and bell crank 91 is in the normal running position, the actuating pin 159 is in engagement with the surface 151. Thus, the rotary bias applied to the assembly of the assembly of the operating lever 71 and bell crank 91 by reason of the downward force acting in the actuating rod 99 when theoperating lever 71 is in the running position also serves to bias the locking bracket 77 for clockwise movement relative to the swivel bracket 19.

In operation, when the propulsion unit 23 is in the normal running or operating position (FIG. 4), the reverse lock 41 is held in engagement with the thrust pin 31 by the main springs 61. In addition, when the operating lever 71 is in the running position, the actuating rod 99 is located with the hook 111 at the bottom thereof spaced slightly below the cross web 51 of the reverse lock yoke or bale 47. In addition the light spring 117 connected between the bale cross web 51 and the actuating rod 99 serves to bias the actuating rod 99 downwardly to the position with the hook 111 slightly below and out of engagement with the cross web 51 of the reverse lock yoke or bale 47 and simultaneously to urge the bell crank 91 and connected operating lever 71 in the clockwise direction as seen in FIG. 4 so as to releasably retain the operating lever 71 in the running position. At the same time, the locking pin 89 is located at the upper end of the slot 79 in the locking bracket 77. The bias exerted on the bell crank 91 and connected operating lever 71, in the clockwise direction as seen in FIG. 4, also serves to engage the cam surface 151 with the actuating pin 159 extending from the locking bracket 77 so as to yieldably urge the locking bracket 77 in the clockwise direction relative to its pivotal mounting on the swivel bracket 19.

In order to raise the propulsion unit 23, the operating lever 71 is moved from its normal running position shown in F IG. 4 in the counterclockwise direction until the ear or tang 141 (See FIGS. 2 and 3) on the bell crank arm 97 engages the actuating rod 99 to locate the operating lever 71 in an intermediate or the reverse lock release position shown in FIG. 5. In this position, the cam surfaces 151 and 153 are spaced from the actuating pin 159 extending from the locking bracket 77.

Movement of the operating lever 71 from the normal running position (See FIG. 4) to the reverse lock release position (See FIG, 5) serves to elevate the actuating rod 99, against the action of the main spring 61 and against the limited action of the light spring 117, so as to initially engage the bite 113 of the actuating rod 99 with the bale or yoke 47 and thereafter to elevate the bale or yoke 47 so as to release the reverse lock 41. When the operating lever is in the reverse lock release position (FIG. 5), the action of the main springs 61 and the light spring 117 serves to yieldably urge the assembly of the operating lever 71 and bell crank 91 in the counterclockwise direction, as shown in FIG. 5, and thereby to releasably retain the operating lever 71 in the reverse lock release position.

Subsequent upward movement of the propulsion unit 23, that is in the counterclockwise direction relative to the tilt pin 17 (See FIGS. 1, and 4 through 7), results in downward travel of the locking pin 89 in the slot 79 in the locking bracket 77. such movement of the locking pin 89 in the locking bracket slot 79 in conjunction with the first portion of the upward movement of thepropulsion unit 23 and connected swivel bracket 19 serves to pivot the locking bracket 77 in the clockwise direction relative to the swivel bracket 19, as shown in FIG. 5, until such time as the actuating pin 159 extending from the locking bracket 77 engages the cam surface 153 on the operating lever 71 (See FIG. 6). Thereafter, the bias which is exerted by the main springs 61 and by the light spring 117 on the assembly of the operating lever 71 and bell crank 91, so as to urge these members in the counterclockwise direction, also acts through the cam surface 153 and actuating pin 159 to bias the locking bracket 77 in the counterclockwise direction relative to its pivotal mounting on the swivel bracket 19. Such movement of the locking bracket 77 is, however, restrained by engagement of the locking pin 89 with the forward edge 163 of the vertically elongated slot portion 81.

Continued upward movement of the propulsion unit 23 and connected swivel bracket 19 toward the elevated position serves to cause continued rotation of the locking bracket 77 in the clockwise direction relative to the swivel bracket 19 so as thereby to move the actuating pin 159 in the clockwise direction and swing the operating lever 71 in the clockwise direction, notwithstanding the bias of the main springs 61 and light spring 117 in the opposite direction, which clockwise movement of the operating lever 71 further elevates the actuating rod 99. However, such displacement of the operating lever 71 in the clockwise direction consequent to continued upward movement of the propulsion unit 23 and connected swivel bracket 19 is not sufficient to displace the connection between the bell crank arm 93 and the actuating rod 99 over center. Thus, the main springs 61 and the light spring 117 serve to continue to bias the assembly of the operating lever 71 and bell crank 91 in the counterclockwise direction (as seen in FIGS. 5 and 6) and, due to the engagement of the cam surface 153 with the actuating pin 159, to simultaneously yieldably urge the locking bracket 77 in the counterclockwise direction about its pivotal mounting on the swivel bracket 19. As already indicated, such movement of the locking bracket 77 is prevented by engagement of the locking pin 89 with the forward edge 163 of the vertically elongated slot portion 81.

Just prior to reaching the uppermost point of permitted travel of the propulsion unit 23 during upward swinging movement (See FIG. 6), the locking pin 89 rides off the lower end of the forward edge 163 defining the vertically elongated slot portion 81 in the locking bracket 77 and the bias on the locking bracket 77 serves to cause movement of the locking bracket 77 in the counterclockwise direction and entry of the locking pin 89 into the forwardly projecting slot portion 83. When the propulsion unit 23 is thereafter permitted to slightly fall to the holding position shown in FIG. 7, the locking pin 89 engages the upper surface 90 of the projecting slot portion 83 to releasably prevent further downward movement of the propulsion unit 23 and connecting swivel bracket 19 and to thereby hold the propulsion unit 23 and connected swivel bracket 19 in the elevated position.

The movement of the locking bracket 77 in the counterclockwise direction relative to its mounting on the swivel bracket 19 which is effective to displace the locking pin 89 into the forwardly projecting slot portion 83 also serves to rotate the actuating pin 159 in the counterclockwise direction. Such movement of the locking pin permits counterclockwise movement of the assembly of the operating lever 71 and bell crank 91 under the influence of the action of the main springs 61 and light spring 117 in the same counterclockwise direction so as to slightly rotate the assembly of the operating lever 71 and bell crank 91 in the counterclockwise direction.

During retention of the propulsion unit 23 and connected swivel bracket 19 in the raised or elevated position, continuing bias is applied to the assembly of the operating lever 71 and bell crank lever 71 so as to releasably retain the assembly in the propulsion unit holding position by action of both the main springs 61 and the light spring 117. In addition, during retention of the propulsion unit and connected swivel bracket in the elevated position, the main springs 61 and light spring 117 act through the operating lever 71 so as to yieldably urge the locking lever 77 for pivotal movement in the counterclockwise direction relative to the swivel bracket.

When it is desired to return the propulsion unit 23 and connected swivel bracket 19 to the normal running or operating position and to again re-engage the reverse lock 41 with the thrust rod 31, the operating lever 71 is manually rocked in the clockwise direction until the cam surface 151 engages the actuating pin 159 on the locking bracket 77. In such position, the bell crank arm 93 is located in a depressed position below the normal running position (due to the previous rotation of the locking bracket 77 in the clockwise direction relative to the swivel bracket incident to the latter portion of the upward movement of the propulsion unit 23 and connected swivel bracket 19). With the bell crank arm 93 in the depressed position, the actuating rod 99 is displaced downwardly relative to the swivel bracket 19 to its lowermost position, permitting pivoting of the reverse lock 41 about the pivot connection 44 under the action of the main springs 61 until such time as stops 167 on the pivot arms 43 engage abutments 169 on the swivel bracket 19. Such engagement locates the hook portion 59 of the reverse lock 41 in proper position for re-engagement with the thrust rod 31 upon return movement on the propulsion unit 31 and connected swivel bracket 19 to the normal running position.

Engagement of the stops 167 on the pivot arms 43 with the abutments 169 on the swivel bracket 19 occurs prior to complete movement of the actuating rod 99 to its lowermost position, and accordingly, such movement of the actuating rod 99 disengages the actuating rod hook 111 from the cross web 51 of the reverse lock bale 47. Also because of the engagement of the stops 167 on the pivot arms 43 with the abutments 169 on the swivel bracket 19, the actuating rod 99 is temporarily no longer subject to the action of the main springs 61 and is biased downwardly solely by the action of the light spring 117. Such action of the light spring 117 serves also to releasably urge the assembly of the operating lever 71 and bell crank 91 inhe clockwise direction, and because of engagement with the cam surface 151 with the actuating pin 159 extending from the locking bracket 77, additionally serves to bias the locking bracket 77 in the clockwise direction relative to its pivotal mounting on the swivel bracket 19. Such movement ofthe locking bracket is restrained due to engagement of the locking pin 89 against the detent tang 87.

In order to lower the propulsion unit 23 and connected swivel bracket 19 to the normal running or operating position, the propulsion unit 23 is then slightly raised from the supported elevated position, Y which movement serves to lower the locking pin 89 in the forwardly projecting slot portion 83 in the locking bracket 77 until the locking pin 89 engages the lower surface 173 of the forwardly projecting slot portion 83, whereby the locking pin 89 is located below thedetent tang 87 and in position for movement from the forwardly projecting slot portion 83 to the bottom of the vertically elongated slot portion 81. The bias exerted by the light spring 117 serves to pivot the locking bracket 77 in the clockwise direction around its pivotal mounting on the swivel bracket 19 and thereby to locate the locking pin 89 at the bottom of the vertically elongated slot portion 81 and against the rear edge 177 thereof.

The propulsion unit 23 and connected swivel bracket 19 can now be lowered toward the normal running position. During such downward movement, the locking pin 89 moves upwardly to the top of the vertically elongated slot portion 81 in the locking bracket 77 and, at the same time, due to the geometry of the pivot points, the locking bracket 77 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction relative to the swivel bracket 19 and against the action of the light spring 117, to return the assembly of the operating lever 71 and bell crank 91 to the normal running position (See Flg. 4) and thereby to raise the bell crank arm 93 and connected actuating rod 99.

Upon full return of the propulsion unit 23 and connected swivel bracket 19 to the normal running position, the hook portion 59 of the reverse lock 41 is cammed over the thrust pin or rod 31 to re-engage the reverse lock 41. Such re-engagement elevates the reverse lock 41 so as to lift the stops 167 off the abutments 169. When the reverse lock 41 is in the engaged position and the assembly of the operating lever 71 and connected bell crank 91 are in the normal running position, the bite 113 of the hook 111 of the actuating rod 99 is located below the lower surface of the cross web 51 of the reverse lock bale 47 and the actuating rod 99 is urged downwardly to maintain the assembly of the operating lever 71 and bell crank 91 in the normal running position solely by action of the light spring 117.

Various of the features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

I claim:

1. A marine propulsion device comprising a support bracket adapted to be attached to a boat hull, a thrust pin carried by said support bracket, a swivel bracket, means connecting said swivel bracket and said support bracket for pivotal movement therebetween relative to a normal operating swivel bracket position and a raised swivel bracket position, a reverse lock mounted on said swivel bracket for releasably engaging said thrust pin, means on said swivel bracket and on said support bracket for releasably holding said swivel bracket in the raised position, and selectively operable control means mounted on said swivel bracket an including an element operably connected to said reverse lock and operably connected to said swivel bracket holding means for controlling releasable engaging of said thrust pin by said reverse lock and for controlling releasable holding of said swivel bracket in the raised position by said swivel bracket holding means.

2. A marine propulsion device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said element comprises an operating lever pivotally mounted on said swivel bracket, and said control means further includes means connecting said operating lever to said reverse lock, means connecting said operating lever to said swivel bracket holding means, and means for selectively biasing said operating lever in opposite rotary directions depending upon the position of said operating lever.

3. A marine propulsion device in accordance with claim 2 wherein said swivel bracket holding means comprises a member pivotally mounted on said swivel bracket, means connecting said member and said support bracket for causing pivotal movement of said member relative to said swivel bracket in response to pivotal movement of said swivel bracket relative to said support bracket, said member including an actuating pin, and wherein said means connecting said operating lever to said swivel bracket holding means includes two arcuately spaced surfaces connected to and having common movement with said operating lever and located for engagement with said pin in response to relative pivotal movement between said operating lever and said member.

4. A marine propulsion device in accordance with claim 2 wherein said swivel bracket holding means including a supporting member pivotally mounted on said swivel bracket and wherein said operating lever and said supporting member are coaxially pivotally mounted.

5. A marine propulsion device in accordance with claim 2 wherein said reverse lock includes a member movably mounted relative to said swivel bracket and engageable with said thrust pin and wherein said means connecting said operating lever and said reverse lock includes an arm connected to and having common movement with said operating lever and a rod connected to said arm and including means for engaging said reverse lock member in response to positioning of said arm by said operating lever.

6. A marine device in accordance with claim wherein said means for selectively biasing said operating lever in opposite rotary directions includes a spring connected to said swivel bracket and to said rod so as to bias said rod in the direction away from said operating lever.

7. A marine propulsion device in accordance with claim 5 and including means on said operating lever cooperating with said rod for limiting pivotal movement of said operating lever in one direction.

8. A marine propulsion device comprising a support bracket adapted to be attached to a boat hull, a thrust pin carried by said support bracket, a swivel bracket, means connecting said swivel bracket and said support bracket for pivotal movement therebetween relative to a normal operating swivel bracket position and a raised swivel bracket position, a reverse lock element movably mounted on said swivel bracket for releasably engaging said thrust pin, a member pivotally mounted on said swivel bracket and connected to said support bracket to cause pivotal movement of said member relative to said swivel bracket in response to pivotal movement of said swivel bracket relative to said support bracket, said member including means for holding said swivel bracket in raised position, and an actuating pin, an operating lever pivotally mounted on said swivel bracket coaxially with the mounting of said member, an arm connected to and having common movement with said operating lever, a rod connected to said arm and including means for engaging said reverse lock element in response to positioning of said arm by said operating lever, two arcuately spaced surfaces connected to and having common movement with said operating lever and located for engagement with said pin in response to relative pivotal movement between said operating lever and said member, and a spring connected between said swivel bracket and said rod so as to bias said rod in the direction away from said operating lever and thereby to selectively bias said operating lever in oppo-' site rotary directions depending upon the position of said operating lever.

9. A marine propulsion device comprising a support bracket adapted to be attached to a boat hull, a thrust pin carried by said support bracket, a swivel bracket, means connecting said swivel bracket and said support bracket for pivotal movement therebetween relative to a normal operating swivel bracket position and a raised swivel bracket position, a reverse lock element movably mounted on said swivel bracket for releasably engaging said thrust pin, an operating lever pivotally mounted on said swivel bracket, an arm connected to and having common movement with said operating lever, a rod connected to said arm and including means for engaging said reverse lock element in response to positioning of said arm by said operating lever, and a spring connected to said rod so as to bias said rod in the direction away from said operating lever and thereby to selectively bias said operating lever in opposite rotary directions depending upon the position of said operating lever.

10. A marine propulsion device comprising a support bracket adapted to be attached to a boat hull, a swivel bracket, means connecting said swivel bracket and said support bracket for pivotal movement therebetween relative to a normal operating swivel bracket position and a raised swivel bracket position, a member pivotally mounted on said swivel bracket and connected to said support bracket to cause pivotal movement of said member relative to said swivel bracket in response to pivotal movement of said swivel bracket relative to said support bracket, said member including means for holding said swivel bracket in raised position and an actuating pin, an operating lever pivotally mounted on said swivel bracket coaxially with the mounting of said member, two arcuately spaced surfaces connected to and having common movement with said operating lever and located for engagement with said pin in response to relative pivotal movement between said operating lever and said member, and means connected to said operating lever for selectively biasing said operating lever in opposite rotary directions depending upon the position of said operating lever. 

1. A marine propulsion device comprising a support bracket adapted to be attached to a boat hull, a thrust pin carried by said support bracket, a swivel bracket, means connecting said swivel bracket and said support bracket for pivotal movement therebetween relative to a normal operating swivel bracket position and a raised swivel bracket position, a reverse lock mounted on said swivel bracket for releasably engaging said thrust pin, means on said swivel bracket and on said support bracket for releasably holding said swivel bracket in the raised position, and selectively operable control means mounted on said swivel bracket an including an element operably connected to said reverse lock and operably connected to said swivel bracket holding means for controlling releasable engaging of said thrust pin by said reverse lock and for controlling releasable holding of said swivel bracket in the raised position by said swivel bracket holding means.
 2. A marine propulsion device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said element comprises an operating lever pivotally mounted on said swivel bracket, and said control means further includes means connecting said operating lever to said reverse lock, means connecting said operating lever to said swivel bracket holding means, and means for selectively biasing said operating lever in opposite rotary directions depending upon the position of said operating lever.
 3. A marine propulsion device in accordance with claim 2 wherein said swivel bracket holding means comprises a member pivotally mounted on said swivel bracket, means connecting said member and said support bracket for causing pivotal movement of said member relative to said swivel bracket in response to pivotal movement of said swivel bracket relative to said support bracket, said member including an actuating pin, and wherein said means connecting said operating lever to said swivel bracket holding means includes two arcuately spaced surfaces connected to and having common movement with said operating lever and located for engagement with said pin in response to relative pivotal movement between said operating lever and said member.
 4. A marine propulsion device in accordance with claim 2 wherein said swivel bracket holding means including a supporting member pivotally mounted on said swivel bracket and wherein said operating lever and said supporting member are coaxially pivotally mounted.
 5. A marine propulsion device in accordance with claim 2 wherein said reverse lock includes a member movably mounted relative to said swivel bracket and engageable with said thrust pin and wherein said means connecting said operating lever and said reverse lock includes an arm connected to and having common movement with said operating lever and a rod connected to said arm and including means for engaging said reverse lock member in response to positioning of said arm by said operating lever.
 6. A marine device in accordance with claim 5 wherein said means for selectively biasing said operating lever in opposite rotary directions includes a spring connected to said swivel bracket and to said rod so as to bias said rod in the direction away from said operating lever.
 7. A marine propulsion device in accordance with claim 5 and including means on said operating lever cooperating with said rod for limiTing pivotal movement of said operating lever in one direction.
 8. A marine propulsion device comprising a support bracket adapted to be attached to a boat hull, a thrust pin carried by said support bracket, a swivel bracket, means connecting said swivel bracket and said support bracket for pivotal movement therebetween relative to a normal operating swivel bracket position and a raised swivel bracket position, a reverse lock element movably mounted on said swivel bracket for releasably engaging said thrust pin, a member pivotally mounted on said swivel bracket and connected to said support bracket to cause pivotal movement of said member relative to said swivel bracket in response to pivotal movement of said swivel bracket relative to said support bracket, said member including means for holding said swivel bracket in raised position, and an actuating pin, an operating lever pivotally mounted on said swivel bracket coaxially with the mounting of said member, an arm connected to and having common movement with said operating lever, a rod connected to said arm and including means for engaging said reverse lock element in response to positioning of said arm by said operating lever, two arcuately spaced surfaces connected to and having common movement with said operating lever and located for engagement with said pin in response to relative pivotal movement between said operating lever and said member, and a spring connected between said swivel bracket and said rod so as to bias said rod in the direction away from said operating lever and thereby to selectively bias said operating lever in opposite rotary directions depending upon the position of said operating lever.
 9. A marine propulsion device comprising a support bracket adapted to be attached to a boat hull, a thrust pin carried by said support bracket, a swivel bracket, means connecting said swivel bracket and said support bracket for pivotal movement therebetween relative to a normal operating swivel bracket position and a raised swivel bracket position, a reverse lock element movably mounted on said swivel bracket for releasably engaging said thrust pin, an operating lever pivotally mounted on said swivel bracket, an arm connected to and having common movement with said operating lever, a rod connected to said arm and including means for engaging said reverse lock element in response to positioning of said arm by said operating lever, and a spring connected to said rod so as to bias said rod in the direction away from said operating lever and thereby to selectively bias said operating lever in opposite rotary directions depending upon the position of said operating lever.
 10. A marine propulsion device comprising a support bracket adapted to be attached to a boat hull, a swivel bracket, means connecting said swivel bracket and said support bracket for pivotal movement therebetween relative to a normal operating swivel bracket position and a raised swivel bracket position, a member pivotally mounted on said swivel bracket and connected to said support bracket to cause pivotal movement of said member relative to said swivel bracket in response to pivotal movement of said swivel bracket relative to said support bracket, said member including means for holding said swivel bracket in raised position and an actuating pin, an operating lever pivotally mounted on said swivel bracket coaxially with the mounting of said member, two arcuately spaced surfaces connected to and having common movement with said operating lever and located for engagement with said pin in response to relative pivotal movement between said operating lever and said member, and means connected to said operating lever for selectively biasing said operating lever in opposite rotary directions depending upon the position of said operating lever. 